dCS Bartók DAC User Manual Software Issue 1.0x
February 2019
Bartok DAC Manual v1_0x Page 36 English version
USB Interfaces
Both USB interfaces operate in True Asynchronous USB mode, which makes the Bartók DAC immune
to clock jitter from the computer / sound server. The DAC uses its own internal clock or locks to the
Master Clock connected to one of the Word Clock inputs. Feedback through the USB cable to the
computer controls the data delivery rate.
The USB1 client interface on a ‘B’ type connector (Q) will accept PCM data at up to 24 bits / 384kS/s
from a Windows™ PC, Apple Mac™ PC or sound server equipped with a suitable USB2.0 interface.
The interface will also accept DSD/64 or DSD/128 data packaged in DoP format. It is galvanically
isolated.
We have tested this interface with several common formats running on Windows™ 10,
Windows™ 8.1, Windows™ 7 (SP1) and Apple Mac™ OSX 10.11 with various PCM
streaming programs but we cannot accept responsibility for correct operation with all
source devices, operating systems or software.
The Unit Settings > USB Class menu page can set the interface to Class 1 (up to 96kS/s without a
special driver) or Class 2 (up to 384kS/s, no driver is required for OSX 10.6.3 onwards, the current
dCS USB Class 2 driver is required for Windows).
The USB2 host interface (P) on an ‘A’ type connector can stream PCM music files in most popular
formats at up to 24 bits / 384kS/s or DSD/128 from a USB Flash Drive. With a Flash Drive connected,
a basic browser (see page 25) navigates to the music files and selects the file to be played. After
closing the browser, the name of the file is displayed, with a Play or Pause icon and the elapsed
playing time.
Low-power USB hard disk drives in FAT16, FAT32 or un-encrypted NTFS format may be used in the
same way. The interface will not read drives in other formats.
Word Clock Inputs and Output
Each of the two Word Clock In connectors (R) will accept standard word clock from the source
equipment or a master clock at 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4 or 192kHz. The clock frequency MUST be an
exact multiple of the data rate, otherwise the system will not lock. Use the Unit Settings > Sync mode
menu page to lock the selected input to the selected external word clock. The source MUST be locked
to the same clock, otherwise the system will not be locked and periodic clicks or other undesirable
noises or dropouts will be heard on the outputs.
Each of the Word Clock Inputs may be used individually, but to make operation easier, the
DAC’s Sync mode menu page features an automatic mode. In this mode you can (for
example) connect a 44.1kHz word clock to Word Clock In1 and a 48kHz word clock to
Word Clock In2. With a source connected to another feed from the same Clock, the DAC
can select the correct clock frequency.
When the unit is set to Master mode, the DAC uses its internal clock instead of locking to the data or
one of the Word Clock Inputs. The Word Clock Out connector carries a word clock at the same
frequency as the single-wire input sample rate, up to a maximum frequency of 192kHz.
If the selected input is AES or SPDIF, the source equipment MUST be locked to the DAC’s Word
Clock Out so that the system can lock.
Word clock is used for synchronisation only, it does not carry digital audio data.
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